Recent claims circulating online suggest that Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has declared a boycott of NFL Pride Night events, allegedly stating, “On the field, everyone should be focusing on the ball, not the WOKE.” However, these assertions are unfounded and originate from satirical sources.
Origins of the Misinformation
The narrative appears to have stemmed from articles on websites known for publishing satirical content. For instance, a piece from SpaceXMania—a site that explicitly labels its content as satire—falsely reported that the Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs announced boycotts of Pride Nights, attributing exaggerated statements to team representatives. These articles often contain sensational language and fabricated quotes designed for entertainment rather than factual reporting.
Fact-Checking the Claims
Reputable fact-checking organizations have investigated these claims and found no evidence to support them. PolitiFact, for example, clarified that the stories about the Steelers and Chiefs boycotting Pride Nights are false and originated from satirical websites. Similarly, Lead Stories confirmed that neither team has made any such announcements, and the purported statements are fabrications.
Official Stance of the NFL and Teams
The NFL and its teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, have shown support for LGBTQ+ initiatives. The league has co-hosted events like the “Night of Pride” in collaboration with GLAAD during Super Bowl week, and teams have participated in various Pride-related activities. There is no official record or credible report indicating that any team has boycotted these events.
Conclusion
The claims about T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers boycotting NFL Pride Night events are baseless and originate from satirical sources. It’s essential to verify information through credible news outlets and fact-checking organizations to avoid the spread of misinformation.
Recent claims circulating online suggest that Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has declared a boycott of NFL Pride Night events, allegedly stating, “On the field, everyone should be focusing on the ball, not the WOKE.” However, these assertions are unfounded and originate from satirical sources.